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10 Homemade Holiday Gifts From The Kitchen

First Posted: 12/07/2011 1:39 pm   Updated: 08/31/2012 10:48 am


Homemade gifts are special because they're personal and come right from the heart. And what's better than a food gift? Everyone loves gifts you can eat (there's no explanation needed as to why!). Putting together a homemade food gift can be as easy as mixing together a few pantry staples, like our homemade holiday pancake mix or hot chocolate mix. The recipient only needs to add the rest of the ingredients to complete the recipe. Other gifts can be used right away during the holidays or after, like our vanilla sugar or breakfast granola.

Once you've made all your batches of gifts, make sure to package them beautifully. You'll need jars, tins, or boxes. Then just finish it off with a ribbon or bow. Don't forget to include instructions for finishing the recipe or for using the gift. (Packaging materials are available widely in housewares stores and online. We love The Container Store for these items.)

Browse through our gallery of homemade gifts, filled with sweet and savory items that are simple to make. Any of them would make a terrific gift for family, friends or neighbors. They also make nice hostess gifts to bring along to holiday parties. Happy holidays!

So what homemade gift will you be giving this holiday? Let us know in the comments.

See All Of Kitchen Daily's Gift Guides For Cooks

Vanilla Sugar
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Yes, vanilla beans are expensive, but you only need one to infuse an entire jar of granulated sugar with wonderful vanilla aroma and flavor. The sugar is great for using during the holidays (add it to coffee, tea, hot cider) and beyond (it's great for baking). Vanilla sugar makes a great gift.

To make vanilla sugar, add 1 vanilla bean (whole or scraped of its seeds) to a jar with 2 cups of granulated sugar. Let infuse for 1 to 2 weeks before using.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
juicybrisket
true emancipation is a fantasy...
03:23 PM on 12/12/2011
im making cookies for gifts because i am too broke to buy anything.
02:54 PM on 12/12/2011
Why doesn't the link to your recipes work? This is the third time I have tried to no avail.
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fwwest
71 year old grandmother
11:00 AM on 12/12/2011
I have people in my family that are insulted if you give them a homemade gift. If it is homemade they say it shows you didn't give anytime to picking out something special just for them. So I don't do that anymore.
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inkongirl
11:08 AM on 12/12/2011
I thought it was just my family that was like that.
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Whitney Wonders
12:13 PM on 12/12/2011
Wow, that's really lame. I hope my family doesn't feel the same way cause they are all getting homemade gifts this year that I put a lot of thought in and time making.
09:46 AM on 12/08/2011
Any homemade jellies or jams are high on our family's list. That and salsa made with summers tomatoes! Those are Always welcomed!